University of New South Wales School of Physics professor Victor Flambaum has found a method of timekeeping nearly 100 times more accurate than the best atomic clocks.
By using the orbit of a neutron around an atomic nucleus he says the system stays accurate to within 1/20th of a second over billions of years.
Although perhaps not for daily use, the technology could prove valuable in science experiments where chronological accuracy is paramount, Prof Flambaum said.